Mississippi’s first healthcare academy will soon open on the Gulf Coast.
A grand opening ceremony will be held for Singing River Healthcare Academy, the first of its kind in the state, on August 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at its campus in Ocean Springs. The community is invited to attend and explore the new facility aimed at transforming healthcare workforce development on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Singing River Healthcare Academy is offering prospective medical workers an “earn while you learn” education model, combining classroom instruction with paid, hands-on clinical training in real-world medical environments. The academy was created to build a sustainable talent pipeline while expanding access to meaningful careers in healthcare.
Students at the medical training facility will be educated in hospital-like settings designed to mirror real clinical environments. The facility includes two simulated hospital suites, an eight-bed clinical skills lab, high-fidelity simulation rooms, seven modern classrooms, and a computer testing center.
Current programs include: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Phlebotomy Tech, Pharmacy Tech, and Surgical Tech.
Graduates will be prepared to step into clinical roles on day one of their post-graduation job. Through direct employment pathways with Singing River Health System and its regional partners, the academy helps reduce staffing shortages and expands access to rewarding healthcare careers across the Gulf Coast.
Established by Singing River Health System, the academy is part of a larger mission to strengthen Mississippi’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the Gulf Coast.
“We’re not just investing in education—we’re investing in people, in solutions to workforce shortages, and in better care for our communities,” Singing River CEO Laurin St. Pe said. “It’s a win for students, our health system, and the people we serve.”
